Chapter 62
"Please wait."
With that, Sofia stopped the owl, which was about to continue speaking.
She did not really understand the situation.
Who was this owl?
And why had it contacted her instead of Unit Commander Isaac?
"There are no talking owls in the human world..."
Sofia calmed her breathing before speaking.
"You said 'the border' a moment ago. Does that mean you came from the Demon Lord's Territory?"
"That's right. Do you dislike people from the Demon Lord's Territory?"
"No. Besides, I want the Empire and the Demon Lord's Territory to live in peace. For my sister Riana's sake as well."
Sofia wished for her younger sister Riana's happiness.
For that, it would be better if the country were at peace.
If war broke out, Riana, the 'Holy Sword Princess,' would have more opportunities to take up her sword.
Sofia hated the thought of Riana being wounded, and she hated even more how War Minister Zagran used Riana every time there was a battle. She also hated the possibility that Riana might change under Zagran's influence.
To prevent that, she wanted the Empire and the Demon Lord's Territory to maintain peaceful relations.
"For the sake of peace between our two countries... I do not care what happens to me."
Sofia rose from her chair and gave the formal bow of an imperial princess.
"If you are an envoy from the Demon Lord's Territory, then there must be something you wish to tell me. Would you tell me?"
"Understood, Princess Sofia."
With that, the white owl moved from the branch to the window frame.
Looking closely, Sofia saw several owls perched in the garden trees.
Black owls, reddish owls, yellowish owls, and others.
There seemed to be many different kinds of owls in this town.
"Then the Demon Lord's Territory asks that you change the location of the military training."
"The location of the military training?"
"That's right. The Demon Lord's Territory previously received an invitation. It said, 'Come near the border, as we will be conducting military training.' But the Demon Lord's Territory cannot go watch training being conducted in such a dangerous place."
"What do you mean by... a dangerous place?"
"The western plains."
The white owl spoke while staring straight at Sofia.
"In the western plains, the Imperial soldiers are firing magic and arrows toward the road, making it impossible for people to pass. It's dangerous."
"...Huh?"
"My liege says, 'The Demon Lord's Territory cannot go watch training being conducted in a dangerous place. If we did, it would mean that the Demon Lord's Territory had agreed to put the people of the Empire in danger.'"
"S-something like that...?"
Sofia's face went deathly pale.
"Imperial soldiers are conducting training that puts civilians in danger? Why would Isaac and the others do something like that...?"
After thinking for a while, Sofia realized Isaac's intention.
What he was doing was harassing the Demon Lord's Territory.
Sofia knew that the people of the Empire living near the border traded with people from the Demon Lord's Territory. She also knew that the Empire's council of senior officials tacitly tolerated it.
This land was far from the Imperial capital and had many monsters, so the people had to cooperate with one another to survive.
They sometimes fought monsters alongside the people of the Demon Lord's Territory, and they also traded necessary materials.
As long as they shared a border, interaction was unavoidable.
Isaac was probably trying to inconvenience the Demon Lord's Territory by obstructing that interaction.
(What meaning is there in showing 'strength' through methods like that?!)
Sofia understood that it was important to show the Demon Lord's Territory the Empire's power.
A deterrent to war was necessary.
That was why Sofia had been scheduled to use 'Light-Attribute Attack Magic' here.
But Isaac's methods were wrong.
It was completely different from the kind of 'strength' possessed by a hero. It was nothing more than childish harassment.
"So I want you to use your power as a princess to change the location of the military training. The Demon Lord's Territory does not want to cause trouble for the people of the Empire. I came here to make that appeal."
The white owl said this and bowed its head.
"If you listen to our request, my liege says they will let you use some 'health goods.'"
"You mentioned them earlier, but what are these 'health goods'?"
"They are what improved my magical circulation. My body's magical circulation had been poor because of my excessively strong Light-Attribute magical power."
"Your magical circulation?"
"Because of it, my body would grow cold, and I would quickly run out of energy."
"...Huh?"
That was the same as Sofia's symptoms.
The Empire had healers, but they had been unable to cure Sofia's condition.
The white owl seemed to have been in the same state.
"But I'm cured now. My benefactor cured me."
"...Y-you can do that?!"
"I will let you use it as well, if you promise to keep our secret."
The white owl continued.
"My benefactor possesses incredible power. But he does not want the people of the Empire to learn too much about it. Still, if you listen to our request and keep the secret, he will let you use a portion of that power."
"Is there really an item that can heal this body?"
"Do you doubt us?"
"...If you don't mind my saying so, this is all very sudden."
"My benefactor guarantees that the Demon Lord's Territory is telling the truth. He said that if you doubted the Demon Lord's Territory, I could even tell you his name."
The white owl suddenly spoke.
"My benefactor's name is Thor Kanan. In the Empire, he went by the name Thor Liegas."
"Thor Liegas. Is he a member of the ducal family who was sent to the Demon Lord's Territory?"
Sofia knew about him as well.
It was well known that the Liegas ducal family had offered up one of their children as a hostage to the Demon Lord's Territory.
In fact, the duke himself had gone around boasting about it in high society.
Afterward, the duke had failed and been sent south.
"I'm glad. Thor Liegas-sama is living safely, then."
"Rather than merely safe, my benefactor is an important figure in the Demon Lord's Territory as well."
"I-is that so?"
"That's right. My coming here this time was also based on his proposal."
The white owl spread its wings and gave a bow.
"My benefactor said, 'If Her Highness the Princess uses the health goods and finds them even slightly unpleasant, I want her to fire Light-Attribute Attack Magic at me. I will take that as my atonement.'"
"—What?!"
"Can Her Highness the Princess use Light-Attribute Attack Magic stronger than 'Vivid Light Strike'?"
"Y-yes. Using it would leave me unable to move for several days, though..."
"Then my benefactor wishes to receive it. He has already declared this before the Demon Lord. He says it is his responsibility."
"B-but if he receives such powerful attack magic... what will happen to him...?"
"It cannot be helped. It is what Thor-sama wishes."
The white owl spoke in a serious tone and nodded.
"His resolve was so firm that in the end, my liege—the Demon Lord—agreed as well."
"Does Thor Kanan-sama possess that much resolve...?"
Sofia's heart began to pound.
Realizing that she was becoming excited, Sofia instinctively pressed a hand to her chest.
The white owl was muttering about 'Light Attack Magic,' 'additional UV-cut experiments,' and 'four layers of parasols,' but Sofia could not hear it.
Sofia was moved by the resolve of a boy named Thor Kanan.
(Thor Kanan-sama is trying to become a bridge between the Demon Lord's Territory and the Empire... at the risk of his life.)
He had sworn to the Demon Lord that if Sofia found the 'health goods' unpleasant, she should fire 'Light Attack Magic' at him.
How much courage did it take to do something like that...?
Sofia thought about it.
She wondered whether she possessed that much courage herself.
Sofia Dolgaria was an imperial princess.
Even without the right of succession to the Imperial throne, she was still the Emperor's child.
And now, here in the north, an Imperial unit commander was engaging in childish harassment.
As a princess, she had to stop him.
(I have to live up to Thor Kanan-sama's courage as well.)
A boy who had been sent to the Demon Lord's Territory was trying to become a bridge between the Empire and the Demon Lord's Territory.
How could she, an imperial princess, fail to live up to that?
But to stop Isaac... she needed a body that was at least somewhat healthy.
If the Demon Lord's Territory's 'health goods' could provide her with that—
"I will cooperate. I will stop the Imperial soldiers. For that purpose, please let me use the 'health goods.'"
Sofia declared this to the white owl.
"In the name of Princess Sofia, I swear to keep the secret. As proof, I will entrust this to you."
With that, Sofia touched the ring on her right hand and removed it.
She placed it in her palm and held it out to the white owl.
"This was a keepsake from the nursemaid who raised Riana and me. She was like a mother to us sisters, and it was given to me by someone we loved dearly. My younger sister, Princess Riana, has one just like it. It has little monetary value, but... to us, it is a treasure. Please take it."
"Are you sure?"
"Compared to Thor Kanan-sama's courage, it is a trivial thing."
"...I understand."
The white owl held out one of its forelegs.
Sofia hooked the silver ring onto its talon.
"Will this serve as proof of our trust?"
"It will. From now on, this white owl—Soleil—will go to the Demon Lord. Then, once everyone has fallen asleep, we will bring the 'health goods.' You will use them and confirm their effects. Is that acceptable?"
"Understood. Then I will make preparations."
When Sofia said this, the white owl—and the owls perched on the surrounding branches—flew away.
Then, at midnight—
"We kept you waiting!"
The owls returned carrying something like a square tub.
The owls set the tub on the floor before Sofia, who was rubbing her sleepy eyes.
They poured water into the tub from pouches attached to their legs.
Though the pouches were small, the tub filled in the blink of an eye.
Sofia asked how it worked, but the owls only said, "There is a secret box."
"Then please put your feet in this."
"What... is this?"
"It's an item from the Hero's world called a 'footbath.'"
"A 'footbath'...?"
It was an item Sofia had never heard of.
Yet simply because it came from the Hero's world, she somehow began to feel that she could trust it.
Sofia knew that the Hero had been a being possessed of transcendent power.
(Besides... I have decided to trust the Demon Lord's Territory and Thor Kanan-sama.)
Sofia removed her shoes and slowly placed her bare white feet in the 'footbath.'
Seeing this, the white owl Soleil said,
"...You'd better cover your mouth so you don't make any strange noises."
"Does it hurt?"
"No. It's just too pleasant."
The white owl Soleil touched the rim of the 'footbath.'
The water inside began to ripple.
Tiny vibrations formed and traveled into Sofia's feet—
"—?!"
Sofia instinctively covered her mouth.
(W-what is this? My feet... no, it feels as though my entire body is being loosened...!)
It felt as though countless hands were massaging her legs.
She felt her stiff body gently relaxing.
Sofia realized for the first time that her magical power had been clumped together inside her body.
That had interfered with the circulation in her body. Now it was melting and flowing out.
(It feels so good. It's as though I'm soaking in flowing hot water.)
Sofia let out a hot, breathy sigh.
"If you don't continue for a while, you'll revert to your previous state. So next time, I'll let you use it when you meet the Demon Lord."
"—?!"
A flurry of nods.
Still covering her mouth, Sofia nodded emphatically.
After using the 'footbath' for a while—
"...Phew."
Sofia lay limply on the bed.
She raised both arms and clenched her fists.
She felt as though her body were filled with strength.
She got up and tried walking... her body felt light.
(I don't feel tired or weighed down. It's as though my body has turned into a feather. But...)
Her clothes seemed heavy.
She felt as though her nightclothes were obstructing the improved flow of her magical power.
As Sofia stared at her clothes, feeling that way—
"Thor Kanan-sama told me to give this to you, Princess."
The white owl Soleil took two pieces of cloth from its pouch.
"It's underwear for people with excessively strong Light-Attribute magical power. You should wear it."
"...Huh?"
Sofia unfolded the cloth she had been given.
It was certainly underwear. There was both a top and a bottom.
The top was a camisole that covered her waist, while the bottom was slightly longer than usual.
And for some reason, it was transparent.
When she held it in her hands, she could clearly see through it.
"If I gave you clothes, the people around you would realize that I had given you an item. So I want you to make do with this."
The white owl said this in a serious tone.
This underwear was apparently important; it was not a joke.
"Even just wearing this should make your body feel considerably better. He discovered that wearing Light-Attribute underwear against the skin helps with magical circulation."
"S-something like that is possible...?"
Sofia nodded while holding the underwear.
She had experienced the effects of the 'footbath.' If so, the effects of this underwear were probably genuine as well.
But if that was true—
(The Demon Lord's Territory's level of technology is ten years... no, several decades ahead of the Empire's.)
It would be incredibly foolish to make an enemy of the Demon Lord's Territory.
(I have to stop Isaac. After that... I will become a bridge between the Empire and the Demon Lord's Territory, so that the two countries will never fight.)
Sofia made up her mind.
"Thank you very much. I will return this to you."
Sofia handed the 'footbath' to the white owl.
Then several owls flew in from the surrounding branches and carried the 'footbath' away together.
Waving to them, Sofia turned back toward the white owl.
"I feel... somewhat better physically as well."
"I'm glad."
"I believe the quickest way to stop the Imperial soldiers is to announce that the Demon Lord's Territory has formally lodged a protest. Would you give me an opportunity to speak with your liege for that purpose?"
"The preparations have already been made. A messenger will be sent tomorrow."
"Understood. Is there anything else?"
"The person who made this underwear said that they wanted a 'usage report.'"
"A 'usage report'?"
"They want many people to use the item, hear their impressions, and use that as a reference to improve it. This was the first time they made 'underwear for people with the Light Attribute,' so they want to hear your thoughts."
"You want my thoughts on this transparent underwear...?"
Sofia covered her cheeks.
She felt terribly embarrassed.
Wondering what sort of person had made this underwear, she nodded back at the white owl.
"Understood. Please tell the person who made this underwear that I will provide a 'report.' And please convey a message to Thor Kanan-sama as well: 'I respect your courage. I look forward to meeting you.'"
"—I understand. I will be sure to tell him."
After saying this, the owls all spread their wings at once.
Then they flew away into the darkness of the night.
After some time had passed, Sofia put on the underwear the owls had left behind.
The transparent underwear felt flimsy and left her strangely uneasy.
"...What if I develop a strange habit?"
She put her nightclothes on over it and lay down on the bed.
She felt warmth spreading through her body.
It was different from having a fever. It felt as though her body was slowly relaxing in comfort.
When she closed her eyes, sleep came at once.
Thus Princess Sofia fell into a peaceful, deep sleep without dreams—
"—Is it morning already?"
Sofia sat up and got out of bed.
She quickly took off her nightclothes... then looked at the semitransparent underwear to confirm that yesterday's events had not been a dream.
Then she changed into her dress—
"—Huh?"
Sofia realized that she was moving about with ease.
It was completely different from the day before.
She normally woke as though dragging her heavy body along, then spent a while regulating her breathing in bed. After slowly sitting up, she would begin changing once she had calmed down.
That was how every day had been.
And yet today, before she knew it, Sofia had gotten out of bed and changed clothes normally.
Like an ordinary, healthy girl.
Sofia swung her arms and legs. She walked around. She tried bending and straightening her knees.
There was no problem. Even after walking around the room, she was not out of breath.
And... she felt as though magical power filled her entire body.
She chanted a simple spell, and a ball of light appeared at her fingertips. It was the 'Light' spell used in 'Magic Lamps.' It was a simple spell, but until yesterday, she had felt tired every time she used it.
But now she could use magic as easily as breathing.
(The Demon Lord really does trust me.)
Healing Sofia's body also meant creating a user of Light magic on the Empire's side.
Even so, the Demon Lord's Territory had allowed Sofia to use the 'footbath.'
That meant they trusted that Sofia would never become their enemy.
"—I wasn't uncomfortable in the slightest, Thor Kanan-sama. Rather, I have never felt so comfortable in my life."
Sofia murmured toward the boy who should have been in the Demon Lord's Territory.
Thinking of him, even though she had never seen his face... for some reason, her heart began to pound.
The boy named Thor Kanan had won Sofia's trust at the risk of his life and urged her to use the 'footbath.'
If he had not gone so far as to say that he would receive Light magic himself if Princess Sofia found it unpleasant, Sofia could never have fully trusted the Demon Lord's Territory. She probably would not have used the 'footbath' either.
Thor Kanan's courage had pushed Sofia forward.
"I must live up to his feelings and the Demon Lord's Territory's trust."
Sofia made up her mind and began walking.
She put her hand on the door and went outside.
Sofia stepped out of her room and into the hallway.
"Y-Your Highness?!"
"What happened, Princess Sofia?!"
"Going outside will be bad for your health!"
The maids waiting in the hallway cried out one after another.
Sofia smiled gently at them and spoke.
"I'm grateful for your concern. But I'm fine. I feel well today."
With her dress hem fluttering, Sofia walked lightly onward.
"Her Highness is walking around energetically."
"Her complexion has improved too. Even her cherry-pink hair is... so glossy."
"Sofia-sama smiled at me. Her Highness smiled at someone like me..."
The maids could not help watching Sofia as she walked lightly away.
Sofia reached the entrance of the mansion without stopping.
There, she realized that the mansion was narrower than she had thought.
While confined to her room, it had seemed like an infinitely vast prison.
"Your Highness, please wait!"
"It is dangerous to go outside alone!"
The soldiers at the mansion entrance called out.
They were the soldiers Isaac and Mariela had left behind.
Sofia turned toward them and said,
"Thank you for your service. I am grateful that you always protect the mansion."
"...Huh?"
"Y-Your Highness?"
"Indeed, going out alone would make you worry. In that case, could you escort me?"
Sofia smiled at the soldiers.
Faced with that radiant smile, the soldiers raised their voices in confusion.
"E-escort you?"
"What do you intend to do, Your Highness?"
"I was supposed to tour the town yesterday, but it was canceled. Instead, I intend to walk to the town gate now. I would like to ask those who are free to escort me."
Looking the soldiers in the eyes, Sofia declared this firmly.
The soldiers seemed uncertain.
Unit Commander Isaac was absent, and his adjutant Mariela had not returned either.
Of those currently in town, Princess Sofia was the highest-ranking person among the soldiers.
Every soldier knew that Princess Sofia had been confined to the mansion.
And that very person had told them, 'I am going to the town gate. Escort me.'
Her eyes were shining, and she looked healthier than usual.
"The highest-ranking authority here is Princess Sofia."
"We will escort you to the town gate."
"There is no greater honor than showing Her Highness around the town!"
The soldiers knelt on the floor and declared this.
"Thank you, everyone."
Sofia gathered up her skirt and bowed.
"This is my own selfish request as Sofia Dolgaria. Even if something happens, none of you will be held responsible. Everyone in the mansion is a witness. Please remember that."
Thus Sofia and the soldiers began walking outside the mansion.
Once they went outside, everything became a great commotion.
Princess Sofia had not shown herself once since coming to the town of Noza.
Now she had appeared in the morning light.
The townspeople called out to Sofia as she walked under the soldiers' protection.
Voices praising Sofia.
Voices wishing for peace.
Voices pleading for her to avoid conflict with the Demon Lord's Territory.
Sofia nodded to their voices as she headed toward the town gate.
As she approached, the northern gate slowly opened. Beyond it stood a soldier on horseback.
He widened his eyes at the commotion before him, realized that Princess Sofia stood at its center, and hurriedly dismounted.
"I-I beg your pardon. I did not realize Princess Sofia was here..."
"It's all right. You went out on reconnaissance, correct?"
"Y-yes. There is a place where we communicate with the Demon Lord's Territory, and I found a letter there—"
The scout slowly approached Sofia and knelt before her.
"The unit commander and adjutant are currently out of town. As their representative, I will inspect the letter."
"—Y-yes, Your Highness."
The scout handed Sofia a scroll of parchment.
Sofia opened the letter right there.
She did not need to look.
It was a request for a meeting from Demon Lord Lukie Evargard.
The addressee was Princess Sofia Dolgaria.
It said that the Demon Lord and the princess wished to speak for the sake of peace between their two countries.
"Let's write a reply at once."
Sofia closed the parchment and nodded.
Then, turning toward the soldiers, she said,
"Once I have finished writing, please deliver it to the communication point with the Demon Lord's Territory. Also, could you ask someone in town who is familiar with the Demon Lord's Territory to come to the mansion? I would like to hear about them."
"Y-yes, Your Highness."
"I will do whatever I can for the sake of peace between our two countries."
Sofia clenched her fists and declared this.
She knew that her healthy body was only temporary.
Therefore, while she still could, she would risk her life and do everything in her power.
She would repay the Demon Lord's Territory for healing her body and bring peaceful lives to the people living near the border.
And she would bring peace to the two countries—for the sake of her sister, Riana.
"Long ago, people summoned heroes from another world to bring peace to the world and reassure the people. As the princess of an Empire that venerates those heroes, I wish for peace in the border region. For that purpose, I shall put this body of mine to use..."
Looking at the soldiers around her, she held her head high—
Princess Sofia Dolgaria made that declaration.